The 2011 Executive Budget Document

The Department of Veterans Services serves Virginia’s veterans and their beneficiaries by ensuring they receive the benefits, support, quality care, and recognition they have earned through service and sacrifice.

Grants authority for the agency to apply for federal grant funding for the construction of a veterans care center in southwest Virginia. The total cost for this project is $30.0 million, for which a $10.5 million state share is required.

Ensure that state veterans cemeteries meet national shrine standards

Provides resources to ensure that state veterans cemeteries meet national shrine standards and operate in a safe, efficient manner by filling vacant positions, replacing worn out equipment, and purchasing necessary supplies.

FY 2011

FY 2012

General Fund

$ 0

$ 387,164

Authorized Positions

$ 0

$ 1

Establish county Veterans Service Officer program

Improves access to claims representation for Virginia's veterans by helping cities and counties establish a County Veterans Service Officer program. The Department of Veterans Services liaison officer will provide initial and refresher training to County Veterans Service Officers and ongoing technical support and assistance.

FY 2011

FY 2012

General Fund

$ 0

$ 82,306

Authorized Positions

$ 0

$ 1

Increase appropriation for veterans care center

Increases the agency's nongeneral fund appropriation to reflect a full year of operation at the Sitter and Barfoot Veterans Care Center.

FY 2011

FY 2012

Nongeneral Fund

$ 0

$ 4,000,000

Meet requirements of veterans cemetery outer burial container program

Provides the necessary spending authority to purchase cemetery outer burial vaults for resale. The 2010 General Assembly authorized the agency to sell outer burial containers at cost. This amendment also includes a position at both the Suffolk and Amelia locations to provide installation.

FY 2011

FY 2012

Nongeneral Fund

$ 0

$ 280,000

Authorized Positions

$ 0

$ 2

Request federal grant funds for care center renovations

Grants authority to seek federal grant funding of up to $1.3 million for renovations at the Virginia Veterans Care Center. The state share of the renovations will be supported by internal resources.

Increase appropriation for Virginia Wounded Warrior Program

Increases appropriation to reflect receipt of a federal grant to provide services to veterans in rural areas.